Mercury and warranty work

[tblack111]

I have a 2007 25 hp 4 stroke Mercury on my Bass Tracker that completely locked down with no warning. Took it to a "cerified warranty center" for repair. Nearly 3 weeks later they tell me that the lower unit had pretty much imploded and has bound everything up. Not being specific the tech also told me that the head was locked up and they were problems up top as well. They contacted Mercury, and Mercury wants them to ship the gear casing to them for inspection even though the casing is as clean as a whistle. He said they would ship it today and finish diagnosing the top half, but had no idea about when they would get a response from Mercury or when the repair may be completed. Is this normal for Mercury and repairs? Anyone else ever had to send in parts for inspection? How long did it take?

 

[sxmerc]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

While this seems highly unusual to me, I suppose it's entirely possible. Usually they would dispatch the TAM (essentially the field service rep) to the dealer to do an inspection. I have had Mercury request parts back for inspection, but never a larger component like this. On the flip side, on those occasions that I have sent something in for inspection, they are very quick with a response, and have gotten back to me within a few days of my sending the item out. Good luck.

 

[tblack111]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

Thanks for the input....keep it coming, it was a little strange to me, but I am new at this warranty repair kinda stuff. I just want my boat back....having fishing withdrawals..lol
The repair place also mentioned that I may be getting a new motor from Mercury?? Does that ever happen?

 

[Blevins]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

Umm the new motor from mercury is a bit of a stretch. If so i have had friends that they sent them rebuilt motors that were more hp than they sent it. Merc wins because they get to send out a rebuild and they suppose you win because you get more HP but i would prefer they send me a carburated motor . Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

The likelihood of you having an independent failure in the power head and the lower unit at the same time is zero. Chances are they are going to determine a failure in the lower unit caused a crank failure in the head. Probably due to water intrusion due to a bad seal. As sxmerc indicated it's a little unusual to request it back, but that may be to the FSM just not being able to be in that area over the next week. It may also be that Mercury is leery of that dealer due to some past infraction of Mercury policy...There has been a lot of attempted fraud over the last year and Mercury's generous warranty policy has tightened a little. So, don't freak out at this point

 

[tblack111]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

Thanks folks, I dont want to worry these people, but what is an ample amount of time to give mercury and the rapair facility before I call and really bare down about the repair? Just wondering and I want to be fair.
Another mechanic on another blog gave this advice..."Never herd of them asking for the parts,except after the job,the dealers are required to hold them up to so long incase they want the parts back.Every time I have a stange case I would call the mecury service rep for my shop and get him involved on the job.Sounds like you need to make some phone calls and complain to mercury,it never hurts to go over there heads to the big boss.If you dont get the response you want,ask to speak to there boss or someone in higher command.Thanks for using our online services,we hope our advise is helpfull." What do you guys think?

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

I think waiting 3 weeks to get, "sumpin's broke, could be the top, could be the bottom, could be both...we dunno nuttin' 'bout how much longer it's gonna take to git fixed" has been too long for too little already.

I would be demanding a specific date by which you will have a motor back on your boat.

 

[tblack111]

Re: Mercury and warranty work

I finally got some answers. Mercury has approved a gear case replacement. Now no upper damage was found????? But the parts are on back order and scheduled to ship on 8/20. Mechanic seems to think it was a seal failure.